Uganda is a small country located in the east of Africa neighbored by Kenya in the east, Tanzania in the south, Congo in the west and South Sudan in the north. It is such a beautiful country and many tourists relish visiting it every year.
Those who have explored Uganda regard it as a destination like no other. This is an area dominated by amazing green landscapes and free-flowing water streams. Uganda is home to varied wildlife species, including exotic mammals, primates, reptiles, aquatic animals, unique plants and a wealth of bird species. This country is really a utopia for nature enthusiasts. Apart from nature, Uganda has amazing cultures to mix and mingle with and plenty of sun for resort vacations. Uganda is truly the ideal destination for a stress-relieving holiday.
Uganda may have lots of attractions to enjoy but there are those that have a cutting edge over other countries which make it a destination like no other. Here is why you should travel to Uganda.
Mountain Gorillas in the Mist
Uganda is one of just three countries in the world where you can do mountain gorilla tours at close range. The gorillas in Uganda are found in Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga national park which are all located in the Kigezi highland region, an area characterized by mist, forests and mountains.
Visit Uganda to trek through the forested hills to encounter the gorillas in what is called a gorilla tracking expedition. The gorillas appear very large, especially the adults, but are very gentle and peaceful in demeanour. Their social behaviour is so interesting and mind-boggling–almost similar to mankind’s which is one of the reasons people relish encountering gorillas in the wild. They go bananas when they observe these huge apes’ way of life. Gorilla tracking has made Uganda one of the tourism destinations to visit every summer by vacationers from America and Europe.
Favorable Climate
It is interesting to see the weather of an area as an attraction. Yes, visitors fall in love with Uganda’s climate that produces sun every day regardless of the weather condition. Visitors love lazing and busking in the hot sun of Uganda particularly on the beaches and balconies of their lodges as they tap some vitamin D. They also enjoy the sun on boat cruises on the various waterways in Uganda. Many enjoy the beautiful light of what’s known as the golden hour, which happens during the sunrise in the morning and sunset in the evening. Photographers love this time of day to create some atmospheric photos. In the late evening, the climate of Uganda brings a whole different ambience. Gentle blowing winds that are so soothing and refreshing, create a perfect condition for dinner dating or relaxing after a long day.
Organic Foods
You may travel around the world and taste different delicacies but nothing comes close to Uganda’s foods in terms of being unique and nutritious. Matooke served with ground nuts, beef or other meat will get you licking your fingers. The fruit is fresh and abundant including mango, pineapple, jackfruit, watermelon and sweet bananas. It gets better when these fruits are extracted into juice.
River Nile and its Source
Uganda has two iconic water bodies, the mighty Nile, the longest river in the world and its source Lake Victoria, the largest inland freshwater lake in Africa. The monumental water bodies harbor lots of amazing adventure activities such as boat rides, white water rafting, bungee jumping, water sliding, tubing, kayaking, fishing and swimming. Visit Jinja, where the River Nile begins. While in Jinja, you can engage in most of the aforementioned activities. The places to experience Lake Victoria are Entebbe and Sesse Islands. Entebbe has a chain of beaches to visit, enjoy a swim, sunbathe, play in the sand and feast on the Nile perch or tilapia, one of the most delicious seafood you can ever taste. The Sesse Islands are a perfect place for honeymoons or weekend getaways. They are scenic, and serene and have a chain of sumptuous resorts for resting and courting.
Mountains of the Moon
The Rwenzori Mountains are a natural feature like no other, it is exhilarating to sight. It has glaciers or snow-capped peaks which science has failed to explain. Snow in an equatorial area where the sun is received throughout the year is so confusing and intriguing but it is real. Visit the Rwenzori Mountains in Kasese district Uganda. Thousands of travellers have hiked the smoky towering ranges to touch, smell and play with the snow at its summits.
Friendly People and Diverse Culture
Have you ever met people who will regard you as brother or sister at the first encounter? They will warmly welcome you and chat, smile and laugh with you as though they have known you for years. The most fascinating thing, Uganda is a heterogeneous country with over 50 different tribes having contrasting traditions and norms but anywhere you go you will feel special and be treated like their own. As you tour the different parts of Uganda, you encounter different cultures and the people will showcase some of their unique traditions and norms and tell stories about their history. They will leave you enthralled and never want to leave Uganda. You will get the thought that you have found a home where humanity is treasured and loved, never segregated nor discriminated against.
The Big Five Animals
The concentration of the big five animals in Uganda may not be like that of South Africa, Tanzania or Kenya but live in breath-taking terrains which makes viewing them interesting and exciting. The big five animals include lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos and rhinos, these animals were hard to hunt down years ago when African traditional societies prevailed and they have carried on their prestige up-to-date as they are a very rare sight on a game drive. However, Uganda is one of the few tourism destinations where you can see the big five in the wilderness. The four (lions, leopards, elephants and Rhino) of the big five animals are common in the savannah parks across the country that is to say in Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park and Kidepo valley national park. The rhinos are only found at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola district en route to Murchison falls national park. Therefore, to stand a chance to see all the big five in Uganda, you have to take a 3 days safari to Murchison falls national park and Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Unique Birds
Uganda has a wealth of bird species that linger in its various natural environments including migratory, resident and endemic ones. The pearl of Africa has over 1060 species of birds, 10% of the world’s population. Some of the unique birds to watch in Uganda are the elusive shoebill, grey crowned crane (crested crane) which is the national emblem, great blue turaco, sunbird regal, handsome francolin, cuckoos and many more.
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